Case Study: a client navigates Iceland’s wind regulatory regime with ERM

Client advances a 200 MW Icelandic windfarm with ERM

The client, a major energy producer, sought to build one of Iceland's first utility-scale onshore wind farms, a 200 MW project in the west of the country. This presented a challenge as wind technology was new to Icelandic regulators and stakeholders. Environmental Resources Management (ERM) was commissioned to undertake the Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) to navigate this emerging regulatory landscape and evaluate the project's potential impacts.

ERM conducted extensive baseline studies, including bird surveys and landscape assessments, to identify mitigation measures. Working with a local partner, ERM helped the client navigate the new regulatory regime by developing technical notes to educate stakeholders on wind technology and how to apply international best practices. The impact was that ERM enabled the client to advance this pioneering project by building regulator understanding and ensuring the assessment conformed to both Icelandic planning requirements and international standards.

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